Direct current connector, alternating current/direct current input device, and alternating current/direct current input system

ABSTRACT

An alternating current/direct current input device includes an appliance input socket and an information and communications technology (ICT) device. The ICT device is powered by the appliance input socket. The appliance input socket includes a ground contact, a positive electrode contact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal switch. A contact depth of the signal switch in the appliance input socket is less than a contact depth of the positive electrode contact or the negative electrode contact in the appliance input socket. The signal switch is configured to generate a control signal when a direct current connector is separated from the appliance input socket. The control signal can be used to enable the ICT device to disconnect the appliance input socket from a conductive electrode of the direct current connector after the ICT device enters a no load state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/CN2017/106551, filed on Oct. 17, 2017, which claims priority toChinese Patent Application No. 201710177821.6, filed on Mar. 23, 2017,and Chinese Patent Application No. 201611230074.X, filed on Dec. 27,2016. All of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the circuit field, and in particular, to adirect current connector, an alternating current/direct current inputdevice, and an alternating current/direct current input system.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) is rapidlydeveloping in the field of information and communications technologies(ICT), and some ICT equipment rooms supply power by using HVDC. In thiscase, an ICT device receives, by using a dedicated HVDC appliance inputsocket, electric energy provided by the ICT equipment room. However,some conventional ICT equipment rooms still supply power by usingalternating current (AC). In this case, the ICT device receives, byusing an AC appliance input socket that complies with the IEC 60320standard, electric energy provided by the ICT equipment room.

In the current market, there are an AC appliance input socket thatcomplies with the IEC 60320 standard and a dedicated HVDC applianceinput socket. Therefore, the ICT device is designed as an AC version oran HVDC version. The AC version uses the AC appliance input socket thatcomplies with the IEC 60320 standard, and the HVDC version uses thededicated HVDC appliance input socket, so as to adapt to the powersupply of ICT equipment rooms. As a result, when there are a largequantity of ICT devices, the ICT devices cannot flexibly adapt to theICT equipment rooms.

It is of great significance to design an alternating current/directcurrent input solution in which AC is compatible with HVDC, so that ACand HVDC are compatible in an appliance coupler, and AC input and HVDCinput are compatible in the ICT device, so as to flexibly adapt to theICT equipment rooms.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of this application provide a direct current connector, analternating current/direct current input device, and an alternatingcurrent/direct current input system, so as to resolve a problem thatalternating current input and direct current input are incompatible inan appliance coupler and an ICT device, and the appliance coupler andthe ICT device cannot flexibly adapt to ICT equipment rooms.

Exemplary technical solutions provided in embodiments of thisapplication are as follows.

According to a first aspect, an embodiment of this application providesan alternating current/direct current input device, including anappliance input socket and an information and communications technology(ICT) device, where the ICT device is powered by the appliance inputsocket, the appliance input socket includes a ground contact, a positiveelectrode contact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal switch,and a contact depth of the signal switch in the appliance input socketis less than a contact depth of the positive electrode contact or thenegative electrode contact in the appliance input socket; and

the signal switch is configured to generate a control signal when aconnector is separated from the appliance input socket, where thecontrol signal can be used to enable the ICT device to disconnect theappliance input socket from a conductive electrode of the direct currentconnector after the ICT device enters a no load state.

By using the foregoing solution, when the connector is separated fromthe appliance input socket after the connector is inserted into theappliance input socket, because the contact depth of the signal switchin the appliance input socket is less than the contact depth of thepositive electrode contact or the negative electrode contact in theappliance input socket, the signal switch can generate the controlsignal before the appliance input socket is disconnected from theconductive electrode of the connector, and the control signal can beused to enable the ICT device to disconnect the appliance input socketfrom the conductive electrode of the connector after the ICT deviceenters a no load state. In this case, a breaking current is basicallyzero during conductive electrode separation, thereby preventing theappliance coupler from generating a dangerous alternating current/directcurrent arc. In this way, alternating current input and direct currentinput are compatible in the appliance input socket, and the applianceinput socket can flexibly adapt to ICT equipment rooms.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, whenthe connector is a direct current connector, the signal switch isfurther configured to:

generate the control signal when the direct current connector isseparated from the appliance input socket, where the control signal canbe used to enable a load current of the ICT device to be zero or beclose to zero before the appliance input socket is disconnected from theconductive electrode of the direct current connector.

In the foregoing possible implementation, the control signal is used toenable the load current of the ICT device to be zero or be close to zerobefore the appliance input socket is disconnected from the conductiveelectrode of the direct current connector, and used to control the ICTdevice to enter a no load state, so as to prevent the appliance couplerfrom generating a dangerous direct current arc.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, acontrol circuit and a transformer coil are disposed inside the ICTdevice, the control circuit includes a control unit and a semiconductorswitch, the control unit is connected to two conductive electrodes ofthe appliance input socket and is connected to the signal switch, afirst end and a second end of the semiconductor switch are connected toa connection line between a conductive electrode of the appliance inputsocket and the transformer coil, and a third end of the semiconductorswitch is connected to the control unit; and

the control unit is configured to: after the control signal generated bythe signal switch is received, control the semiconductor switch to entera disconnected state, so that the ICT device disconnects the applianceinput socket from the conductive electrode of the direct currentconnector after the ICT device enters a no load state.

In the foregoing possible implementation, after the control signalgenerated by the signal switch is received, the semiconductor switchinside the ICT device is controlled to enter a disconnected state, sothat the ICT device enters a no load state. Therefore, it is simple andeasy to enable the ICT device to quickly enter a no load state.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, thesemiconductor switch is a transistor or a combination of at least twotransistors.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, thecontrol circuit further includes a start resistor and a relay, the startresistor is connected to the relay in parallel, and is connected to aconnection line between a conductive electrode of the appliance inputsocket and the transformer coil, and the control unit is connected tothe relay; and

the control unit is further configured to: after power input isdetected, control the relay to be connected and to enter a normalworking state.

In the foregoing possible implementation, because the relay inside theICT device is in a shutdown state by default, when the connector isinserted into the appliance input socket, a startup current inside theICT device is extremely small under action of the start resistor, and anarc generated during startup of the appliance coupler can be controlledto an acceptable degree. After a preset duration, the control unitcontrols the relay to be connected and to enter a normal working state,thereby implementing a secure boot of the ICT device, preventing adangerous current arc, and prolonging life spans of the ICT device andthe appliance coupler.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, whenthe connector is an alternating current connector, the signal switch isfurther configured to remain in an initial state when the alternatingcurrent connector is inserted into the appliance input socket.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, whenthe connector is an alternating current connector, the signal switch isfurther configured to remain in an initial state when the alternatingcurrent connector is separated from the appliance input socket.

In the foregoing possible implementation, when the alternating currentconnector is inserted into the appliance input socket, the signal switchremains in an initial state, so that the appliance input socket canmultiplex alternating current input, thereby implementing compatibilitybetween alternating current input and direct current input.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, thealternating current connector is a standard alternating currentconnector IEC 60320-C13 or a standard alternating current connector IEC60320-C19.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, thecontrol unit is connected to the two conductive electrodes of theappliance input socket by using a power conversion module.

In the foregoing possible implementation, the control unit converts avoltage that is input by the conductive electrode into a working voltageof the control unit by using the power conversion module.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of this application providesa direct current connector, including a ground contact, a positiveelectrode contact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal contact,where

the signal contact is configured to: change a state when the directcurrent connector is separated from an appliance input socket, andtrigger a signal switch K1 on the appliance input socket to generate acontrol signal, where the control signal can be used to enable aninformation and communications technology (ICT) device powered by theappliance input socket to disconnect the appliance input socket from aconductive electrode of the direct current connector after the ICTdevice enters a no load state.

By using the foregoing solution, a state change first occurs when thedirect current connector is separated from the appliance input socket,so that the appliance input socket is disconnected from the conductiveelectrode of the direct current connector after the ICT device enters ano load state, thereby preventing the appliance coupler from generatinga dangerous direct current arc, avoiding electrical fire and electricalinjury accidents, protecting an operator of a terminal that providesdirect current power by using a connector, and extending an applicationfield of a direct current power supply system.

With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, thesignal contact is a fixed contact, so as to be differentiated from analternating current connector in appearance.

In the foregoing possible implementation, the signal contact is set tobe fixed, and can be clearly differentiated from the alternating currentconnector in appearance, so as to prevent an operator from wronglyinserting the direct current connector into an alternating currentappliance input socket due to similar appearance, thereby preventingdamaging the alternating current appliance input socket and the ICTdevice powered by the alternating current appliance input socket, andeven avoiding a dangerous accident.

With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation, thesignal contact is a movable contact; when the positive electrode contactand the negative electrode contact output a direct current, the signalcontact is in an elongated state; and when the positive electrodecontact and the negative electrode contact output an alternatingcurrent, the signal contact is in a contracted state.

In the foregoing possible implementation, the signal contact is set tobe movable, so that the direct current connector can be used as analternating current connector. Therefore, alternating current input anddirect current input can be flexibly compatible, so as to provideconvenience for a user.

According to a third aspect, an embodiment of this application providesan alternating current/direct current input system, including aconnector, an appliance input socket, and an information andcommunications technology (ICT) device, where the ICT device is poweredby the appliance input socket, the connector is a direct currentconnector or an alternating current connector, the direct currentconnector includes a ground contact, a positive electrode contact, anegative electrode contact, and a signal contact, and the applianceinput socket includes a ground contact, a positive electrode contact, anegative electrode contact, and a signal switch;

the signal contact is configured to: change a state when the directcurrent connector is separated from the appliance input socket, andtrigger the signal switch on the appliance input socket to generate acontrol signal, where the control signal can be used to enable theinformation and communications technology ICT device powered by theappliance input socket to disconnect the appliance input socket from aconductive electrode of the direct current connector after the ICTdevice enters a no load state; and

the signal switch is configured to generate the control signal when thedirect current connector is separated from the appliance input socket,where the control signal can be used to enable the ICT device todisconnect the appliance input socket from the conductive electrode ofthe direct current connector after the ICT device enters a no loadstate.

By using the foregoing solution, alternating current input and directcurrent input are compatible in the alternating current/direct currentinput system, and can be flexibly selected based on an actual situation,so as to adapt to ICT equipment rooms.

With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, thealternating current connector is a standard alternating currentconnector IEC 60320-C13 or a standard alternating current connector IEC60320-C19.

With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation, thesignal contact is a movable contact; when the positive electrode contactand the negative electrode contact output a direct current, the signalcontact is in an elongated state; and when the positive electrodecontact and the negative electrode contact output an alternatingcurrent, the signal contact is in a contracted state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic composition diagram of an alternatingcurrent/direct current input system according to an embodiment of thisapplication;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of coupling between a direct currentconnector and an appliance coupler according to an embodiment of thisapplication;

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3E, and FIG. 3F are schematic structural diagramsof a direct current connector and an appliance coupler according to anembodiment of this application;

FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, FIG. 3G; and FIG. 3H are schematic structural diagramsof an alternating current connector and an appliance coupler accordingto an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 4 is a schematic composition diagram of an alternatingcurrent/direct current input device according to an embodiment of thisapplication;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are schematic diagrams of connections between adirect current connector, an appliance input socket, and an ICT device;and

FIG. 5C, FIG. 5D, FIG. 5E, and FIG. 5F are schematic diagrams ofconnections between an alternating current connector, an appliance inputsocket, and an ICT device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

To better understand objectives, solutions, and advantages ofembodiments of this application, the following provides detaileddescriptions. The detailed descriptions provide various implementationsof a device and/or a method by using block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples. These block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples include oneor more functions and/or operations. A person in the art may understandthat each function and/or operation in the block diagrams, theflowcharts, and/or the examples can be performed independently and/orjointly by using various kinds of hardware, software, and firmware,and/or any combination thereof.

Embodiments of this application provide a direct current connector, aninput device, and a system, so as to resolve a problem that AC input andHVDC input are incompatible in an appliance coupler and an ICT device,and the appliance coupler and the ICT device cannot flexibly adapt toICT equipment rooms.

The following explains basic concepts in embodiments of thisapplication. It should be noted that these explanations are intended tofacilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, andshould not be considered as a limitation on the protection scope of thisapplication.

1. HVDC and AC

HVDC is a new direct current power supply mode different fromconventional −48 Vdc (voltage direct current), and a power supplyvoltage is higher than −48 Vdc. A rated value is 240 Vdc, and a range isfrom 192 Vdc to 288 Vdc; or a rated value is 336 Vdc, and a range isfrom 260 Vdc to 400 Vdc. The voltage range is defined by the standardITU/L.1200.

AC is usually referred to as “mains” or an “industrial frequencyalternating current”, and is usually characterized by three vectors: avoltage, a current, and a frequency. Currently, common mains frequenciesin the world are 50 Hertz (Hz) and 60 Hz, and the voltage ranges from100 V to 250 V.

2. Appliance Coupler, Connector, and Appliance Input Socket

An appliance coupler is a coupler that may be connected to ordisconnected from an ICT device by using a power cord, and is comprisedby two parts: a connector and an appliance input socket.

A connector is a part integrated with a soft cable connected to a powersupply, or a part configured to be connected to the soft cable, and anelectrical connection part of the connector is a socket. The connectorincludes two types: a direct current connector and an alternatingcurrent connector. The direct current connector receives direct currentinput, and the alternating current connector receives alternatingcurrent input.

An appliance input socket is a part inside an ICT device or is fastenedto an ICT device, or a part configured to be installed on an ICT device,and an electrical connection part of the appliance input socket is apin.

The following describes embodiments of this application in detail withreference to accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of this application provides analternating current/direct current input system, including a connector10, an appliance input socket 20, and an ICT device 30. The ICT device30 is powered by the appliance input socket 20. The appliance inputsocket 20 may be fastened inside the ICT device 30, or may be configuredto be connected to the ICT device 30. The connector 10 may be a directcurrent connector or an alternating current connector. The alternatingcurrent connector is a standard alternating current connector IEC60320-C13 or a standard alternating current connector IEC 60320-C19. Thedirect current connector includes a ground contact, a positive electrodecontact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal contact. Theappliance input socket 20 includes a ground contact, a positiveelectrode contact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal switch K1.

The signal contact is configured to: change a state when the directcurrent connector is separated from the appliance input socket 20, andtrigger the signal switch K1 on the appliance input socket 20 togenerate a control signal, where the control signal can be used toenable the ICT device 30 powered by the appliance input socket 20 todisconnect the appliance input socket 20 from a conductive electrode ofthe direct current connector after the ICT device enters a no loadstate.

The signal switch K1 is configured to generate the control signal whenthe direct current connector is separated from the appliance inputsocket 20, where the control signal can be used to enable the ICT device30 to disconnect the appliance input socket 20 from the conductiveelectrode of the direct current connector after the ICT device enters ano load state.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment of this application, thedirect current connector and the appliance input socket 20 constitute anappliance coupler. The direct current connector and the appliance inputsocket 20 may be obtained by improving a standard appliance coupler suchas IEC 60320-C13/C14 and IEC 60320-C19/C20, and are referred to asCD13/CD14 and CD19/CD20 in this specification. The signal contact on thedirect current connector may be fixed or movable. When the signalcontact on the direct current connector is fixed, the signal contact isused to be differentiated from the alternating current connector inappearance and size. When the signal contact on the direct currentconnector is fixed or when the signal contact is movable and is in anelongated state, CD13 can be inserted into CD14, CD19 can be insertedinto CD20, C13 can be inserted into CD14, C19 can be inserted into CD20,CD13 cannot be inserted into C14, and CD19 cannot be inserted into C20.For details, refer to FIG. 2. Herein, C19/C20 and CD19/CD20 are used asan example for illustration, which is also applicable to C13/C14 andCD13/CD14.

Further, when the signal contact on the direct current connector ismovable and the signal contact is in a contracted state, CD13 can beinserted into CD14, CD19 can be inserted into CD20, C13 can be insertedinto CD14, C19 can be inserted into CD20, CD13 can be inserted into C14,and CD19 can be inserted into C20.

Further, an example in which the direct current connector and theappliance input socket 20 are CD19 and CD20 is used in FIG. 3A and FIG.3B to show schematic structural diagrams of the direct current connectorand the appliance input socket. It can be seen from FIG. 3A and FIG. 3Bthat the signal switch K1 of the appliance input socket 20 is connectedto an internal circuit of the ICT device. Herein, CD19/CD20 is used asan example, which is also applicable to CD13/CD14. For details, refer toFIG. 3E and FIG. 3F.

Further, an example in which the alternating current connector is thestandard alternating current connector IEC 60320-C19 and the applianceinput socket 20 is CD20 is used in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D to show schematicstructural diagrams of the alternating current connector and theappliance input socket. Likewise, the alternating current connector mayalso be the standard alternating current connector IEC 60320-C13, andthe appliance input socket 20 is CD14. For details, refer to FIG. 3G andFIG. 3H.

Based on the foregoing embodiment, an embodiment of this applicationprovides a direct current connector. As shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B, thedirect current connector includes a ground contact, a positive electrodecontact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal contact.

The signal contact is configured to: change a state when the directcurrent connector is separated from an appliance input socket, andtrigger a signal switch K1 on the appliance input socket to generate acontrol signal, where the control signal can be used to enable aninformation and communications technology (ICT) device powered by theappliance input socket to disconnect the appliance input socket from aconductive electrode of the direct current connector after the ICTdevice enters a no load state.

In a possible implementation, the signal contact is a fixed contact. Inthis case, the direct current connector can receive only HVDC input, andcan be used only as a direct current connector.

In another possible implementation, the signal contact is a movablecontact, and the signal contact is further configured to present anelongated state when the positive electrode contact and the negativeelectrode contact output a direct current, for example, an HVDC. In thisimplementation, if the signal contact is in a contracted state, thedirect current connector may receive alternating current input, and isused as an alternating current connector. When the signal contact is amovable contact, the direct current connector can receive both directcurrent input and alternating current input. When the signal contact isin an elongated state, the direct current connector is used as a directcurrent connector; and when the signal contact is in a contracted state,the direct current connector is used as an alternating currentconnector.

An embodiment of this application provides an alternating current/directcurrent input device. As shown in FIG. 4, the alternating current/directcurrent input device includes an appliance input socket 20 and an ICTdevice 30. The ICT device 30 is powered by the appliance input socket20. The appliance input socket 20 may be fastened inside the ICT device30, or may be configured to be connected to the ICT device 30. Theappliance input socket 20 includes a ground contact, a positiveelectrode contact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal switch K1.A contact depth of the signal switch K1 in the appliance input socket 20is less than a contact depth of the positive electrode contact or thenegative electrode contact in the appliance input socket 20. In thiscase, the contact depth of the signal switch K1 in the appliance inputsocket 20 is shorter, so that the signal switch is first disconnectedwhen the appliance input socket 20 is separated from a direct currentconnector, so as to generate a control signal. It should be noted thatthe contact depth is a dent depth at which the connector can bepenetrated starting from contact with the connector. In actualapplication, contact depths of the positive electrode contact and thenegative electrode contact in the appliance input socket are the same,and are less than a contact depth of the ground contact. In this case, aground electrode are first connected when the connector is inserted, andthe ground electrode is last disconnected when the connector is removed,so as to ensure ground protection in a power-on process of the ICTdevice.

The signal switch K1 is configured to generate a control signal when thedirect current connector is separated from the appliance input socket20, where the control signal can be used to enable the ICT device 30 todisconnect the appliance input socket 20 from a conductive electrode ofthe direct current connector after the ICT device enters a no loadstate. In this case, the direct current connector may be the directcurrent connector shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B.

Optionally, the signal switch K1 is further configured to:

generate the control signal when the direct current connector isseparated from the appliance input socket 20, where the control signalcan be used to enable a load current of the ICT device 30 to be zerobefore the appliance input socket 20 is disconnected from the conductiveelectrode of the direct current connector. Optionally, in a possibleimplementation, the control signal is used to enable a load current ofthe ICT device 30 to be close to zero before the appliance input socket20 is disconnected from the conductive electrode of the direct currentconnector. For example, when a current is less than a preset value, thecurrent is considered to be close to zero.

Further, FIG. 5A shows a possible implementation of a direct currentconnector 101, an appliance input socket 20, and an ICT device 30. InFIG. 5A, the appliance input socket 20 is integrated inside the ICTdevice 30, and a signal switch K1 of the appliance input socket 20 isconnected to an internal circuit of the ICT device 30. Certainly, thesignal switch K1 of the appliance input socket 20 may also be connectedto the internal circuit of the ICT device 30 in another manner. In thiscase, reference may be made to FIG. 5B.

As shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B, a control circuit and a transformer coilare disposed inside the ICT device 30. The control circuit includes acontrol unit, a semiconductor switch Q2, a start resistor R1, and arelay Q1.

The control unit is connected to two conductive electrodes of theappliance input socket 20. Optionally, the control unit is connected totwo conductive electrodes of the appliance input socket 20 by using apower conversion module, and supplies power to the appliance inputsocket 20 by using the power conversion module. The power conversionmodule can convert a voltage that is output between the conductiveelectrode into a working voltage of the control unit.

The control unit is separately connected to the signal switch K1, therelay Q1, and the semiconductor switch Q2, and can control the signalswitch K1, the relay Q1, and the semiconductor switch Q2. The startresistor R1 is connected to the relay Q1 in parallel, and is connectedto a connection line between a conductive electrode of the applianceinput socket 20 and the transformer coil. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show thatthe start resistor R1 is connected to a connection line between anegative conductive electrode of the appliance input socket 20 and thetransformer coil after the start resistor is connected to the relay Q1in parallel. Optionally, the start resistor R1 may be connected to aconnection line between a positive conductive electrode of the applianceinput socket 20 and the transformer coil after the start resistor isconnected to the relay Q1 in parallel. A first end and a second end ofthe semiconductor switch Q2 are connected to a connection line between aconductive electrode of the appliance input socket 20 and thetransformer coil, and a third end of the semiconductor switch Q2 isconnected to the control unit. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show that the firstend and the second end of the semiconductor switch Q2 are connected tothe connection line between the negative conductive electrode of theappliance input socket 20 and the transformer coil. Optionally, thefirst end and the second end of the semiconductor switch Q2 may beconnected to the connection line between the positive conductiveelectrode of the appliance input socket 20 and the transformer coil.

Optionally, the semiconductor switch Q2 is a transistor, or thesemiconductor switch Q2 is a combination of at least two transistors.

The control unit is configured to: after the control signal generated bythe signal switch K1 is received, control the semiconductor switch Q2 toenter a disconnected state, so that the ICT device 30 disconnects theappliance input socket 20 from the conductive electrode of the directcurrent connector 101 after the ICT device enters a no load state.

In this way, when the appliance input socket 20 is separated from theconductive electrode of the direct current connector 101, a breakingcurrent is basically zero during conductive electrode separation becausethe ICT device 30 enters a no load state, thereby preventing theappliance coupler from generating a dangerous direct current arc.

Further, after the connector 10 is inserted into the appliance inputsocket 20, the connector 10 may be the direct current connector 101 oran alternating current connector 102. The control unit is furtherconfigured to: when power input is detected, control the relay Q1 toenter a startup state. Because the relay Q1 is in a shutdown state bydefault, when the connector 10 is inserted into the appliance inputsocket 20, a startup current inside the ICT device 30 is extremely smallunder action of the start resistor R1, and an arc generated duringstartup of the appliance coupler is controlled to an acceptable degree.After a preset duration, the control unit controls the relay Q1 to beconnected and to enter a normal working state.

An example is used to describe working processes of the appliancecoupler and the ICT device in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B.

Before the direct current connector 101 is inserted into the applianceinput socket 20, the signal switch K1 is in a first state. When thedirect current connector 101 is inserted into the appliance input socket20, a startup current inside the ICT device 30 is extremely small underaction of the start resistor R1, and an arc generated during startup ofthe appliance coupler is controlled to an acceptable degree. A signalcontact on the direct current connector 101 is in contact with thesignal switch K1 on the appliance input socket 20, to trigger the signalswitch K1 to enter a second state. After a preset duration, the controlunit controls the relay Q1 to be connected and to enter a normal workingstate. Further, when the direct current connector 101 is separated fromthe appliance input socket 20, before the direct current connector 101is disconnected from the conductive electrode of the appliance inputsocket 20, the signal contact on the direct current connector 101 andthe signal switch K1 on the appliance input socket 20 are firstdisconnected, to trigger the signal switch K1 to enter the first state.After a state of the signal switch K1 changes, the control signal isgenerated, so that the control unit controls the semiconductor switch Q2to enter a disconnected state, and after an internal current of the ICTdevice 30 is zero or close to zero, the appliance input socket 20 isdisconnected from the conductive electrode of the direct currentconnector 101. The first state is different from the second state.Optionally, the first state is a connected state, and the second stateis a disconnected state; or the first state is a disconnected state, andthe second state is a connected state.

It is worthwhile to note that the appliance input socket 20 iscompatible with input of a standard alternating current connector. Fordetails, refer to FIG. 5C, FIG. 5D, FIG. 5E, and FIG. 5F. When thestandard alternating current connector 102 is inserted into theappliance input socket 20, the signal switch K1 on the appliance inputsocket takes no action and remains in an initial state. When thestandard alternating current connector 102 is separated from theappliance input socket 20, the signal switch K1 on the appliance inputsocket still takes no action and remains in the initial state.Optionally, the initial state is the first state. A startup currentinside the ICT device 30 is extremely small under action of the startresistor R1, and an arc generated during startup of the appliancecoupler is controlled to an acceptable degree. After a preset duration,the control unit controls the relay Q1 to be connected and to enter anormal working state. Further, when the alternating current connector102 is separated from the appliance input socket 20, the signal switchK1 remains in the initial state, namely, the first state.

The ICT device implements compatibility between alternating currentinput and HVDC input, and multiplexes an internal circuit of the ICTdevice. Therefore, costs are relatively low, thereby facilitatingpopularization.

A person skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments ofthis application may be provided as a method, a system, or a computerprogram product. Therefore, this application may use a form of hardwareonly embodiments, software only embodiments, or embodiments with acombination of software and hardware. Moreover, this application may usea form of a computer program product that is implemented on one or morecomputer-usable storage media (including but not limited to a diskmemory, a CD-ROM, an optical memory, and the like) that include computerusable program code.

This application is described with reference to the flowcharts and/orblock diagrams of the method, the device (system), and the computerprogram product according to the embodiments of this application. Itshould be understood that computer program instructions may be used toimplement each process and/or each block in the flowcharts and/or theblock diagrams and a combination of a process and/or a block in theflowcharts and/or the block diagrams. These computer programinstructions may be provided for a general-purpose computer, a dedicatedcomputer, an embedded processor, or a processor of any otherprogrammable data processing device to generate a machine, so that theinstructions executed by a computer or a processor of any otherprogrammable data processing device generate an apparatus forimplementing a specific function in one or more processes in theflowcharts and/or in one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer readablememory that can instruct the computer or any other programmable dataprocessing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructionsstored in the computer readable memory generate an artifact thatincludes an instruction apparatus. The instruction apparatus implementsa specific function in one or more processes in the flowcharts and/or inone or more blocks in the block diagrams.

These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer oranother programmable data processing device, so that a series ofoperations and steps are performed on the computer or the anotherprogrammable device, thereby generating computer-implemented processing.Therefore, the instructions executed on the computer or the anotherprogrammable device provide steps for implementing a specific functionin one or more processes in the flowcharts and/or in one or more blocksin the block diagrams.

A person skilled in the art can make various modifications andvariations to embodiments of this application without departing from thespirit and scope of the embodiments of this application. Thisapplication is intended to cover these modifications and variationsprovided that they fall within the scope of protection defined by thefollowing claims and their equivalent technologies.

What is claimed is:
 1. An alternating current/direct current inputdevice, comprising: an appliance input socket; and an information andcommunications technology (ICT) device; wherein the ICT device ispowered by the appliance input socket; wherein the appliance inputsocket comprises a ground contact, a positive electrode contact, anegative electrode contact, and a signal switch; wherein a contact depthof the signal switch in the appliance input socket is less than acontact depth of the positive electrode contact or the negativeelectrode contact in the appliance input socket; and wherein the signalswitch is configured to generate a control signal when a connector isseparated from the appliance input socket, wherein the control signal isconfigured to enable the ICT device to disconnect the appliance inputsocket from a conductive electrode of the connector after the ICT deviceenters a no load state when the connector is a direct current connector.2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the signal switch is furtherconfigured to: when the connector is a direct current connector,generate the control signal when the direct current connector isseparated from the appliance input socket, wherein the control signal isconfigured to enable a load current of the ICT device to be zero beforethe appliance input socket is disconnected from the conductive electrodeof the direct current connector.
 3. The device according to claim 1,wherein the signal switch is further configured to: when the connectoris a direct current connector, generate the control signal when thedirect current connector is separated from the appliance input socket,wherein the control signal is configured to enable a load current of theICT device to be close to zero before the appliance input socket isdisconnected from the conductive electrode of the direct currentconnector.
 4. The device according to claim 2, wherein a control circuitand a transformer coil are disposed inside the ICT device; wherein thecontrol circuit comprises a control unit and a semiconductor switch;wherein the control unit is connected to two conductive electrodes ofthe appliance input socket and is connected to the signal switch;wherein a first end and a second end of the semiconductor switch areconnected to a connection line between a conductive electrode of theappliance input socket and the transformer coil, and a third end of thesemiconductor switch is connected to the control unit; and wherein thecontrol unit is configured to: after the control signal generated by thesignal switch is received, control the semiconductor switch to enter adisconnected state such that the ICT device disconnects the applianceinput socket from the conductive electrodes of the direct currentconnector after the ICT device enters a no load state.
 5. The deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the semiconductor switch is a transistor.6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the semiconductor switch isa combination of at least two transistors.
 7. The device according toclaim 4, wherein the control circuit further comprises a start resistorand a relay; wherein the start resistor is connected to the relay inparallel, and is connected to a connection line between a conductiveelectrode of the appliance input socket and the transformer coil, andthe control unit is connected to the relay; and wherein the control unitis further configured to: after power input is detected, control therelay to be connected and to enter a normal working state.
 8. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the signal switch is further configuredto, when the connector is an alternating current connector, remain in aninitial state when the alternating current connector is inserted intothe appliance input socket.
 9. The device according to claim 8, whereinthe alternating current connector is a standard alternating currentconnector IEC 60320-C13.
 10. The device according to claim 8, whereinthe alternating current connector is a standard alternating currentconnector IEC 60320-C19.
 11. The device according to claim 4, whereinthe control unit is connected to the two conductive electrodes of theappliance input socket via a power conversion module.
 12. A directcurrent connector, comprising: a ground contact; a positive electrodecontact; a negative electrode contact; and a signal contact; wherein thesignal contact is configured to: change a state when the direct currentconnector is separated from an appliance input socket, and trigger asignal switch K1 on the appliance input socket to generate a controlsignal, wherein the control signal is configured to enable aninformation and communications technology (ICT) device powered by theappliance input socket to disconnect the appliance input socket from aconductive electrode of the direct current connector after the ICTdevice enters a no load state.
 13. The direct current connectoraccording to claim 12, wherein the signal contact is a fixed contact, soas to be differentiated from an alternating current connector inappearance.
 14. An alternating current/direct current input system,comprising: a connector; an appliance input socket; and an informationand communications technology (ICT) device; wherein the ICT device ispowered by the appliance input socket; wherein the connector is: adirect current connector comprising a ground contact, a first positiveelectrode contact, a first negative electrode contact, and a signalcontact, wherein the signal contact is configured to: change a statewhen the direct current connector is separated from the appliance inputsocket, and trigger the signal switch on the appliance input socket togenerate a control signal, wherein the control signal is configured toenable the ICT device to disconnect the appliance input socket from aconductive electrode of the direct current connector after the ICTdevice enters a no load state; or an alternating current connector;wherein the appliance input socket comprises a ground contact, a secondpositive electrode contact, a second negative electrode contact, and asignal switch; wherein the signal switch is configured to: when theconnector is a direct current connector, generate the control signalwhen the direct current connector is separated from the appliance inputsocket, wherein the control signal is configured to enable the ICTdevice to disconnect the appliance input socket from the conductiveelectrode of the direct current connector after the ICT device enters ano load state.
 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein theconnector is an alternating current connector, and the alternatingcurrent connector is a standard alternating current connector IEC60320-C13.16.
 16. The system according to claim 14, wherein theconnector is an alternating current connector, and the alternatingcurrent connector is a standard alternating current connector IEC60320-C19.